10Main objectives of Tribunal

10 Main objectives of Tribunal

(1)  The main objectives of the Tribunal in dealing with matters within its jurisdiction are –

(a) in the exercise of its jurisdiction, to promote the best principles of public administration, including –

(i) independence in decision-making; and

(ii) natural justice and procedural fairness; and

(iii) high-quality, consistent decision-making; and

(iv) transparency and accountability in the performance and exercise of statutory functions, powers and duties; and

(b) to be accessible by being easy to find and easy to access, and to be responsive to parties, especially people with greater needs for assistance than others; and

(c) [Section 10 Subsection (1) amended by No. 17 of 2021, s. 7, Applied:05 Nov 2021] [Section 10 Subsection (1) amended by No. 17 of 2021, s. 7, Applied:05 Nov 2021] to ensure that applications, referrals, reviews and appeals are processed and resolved as quickly as possible while achieving a just outcome, including by resolving disputes through high-quality processes and the use of alternative dispute resolution processes, or compulsory conferences, wherever appropriate; and

(d) to keep costs to parties involved in proceedings before the Tribunal to a minimum insofar as is just and appropriate; and

(e) to use straightforward language and procedures (including, insofar as is reasonably practicable and appropriate, by using simple and standardised forms); and

(f) to act with as little formality and technicality as possible, including by informing itself in the manner that the Tribunal thinks fit; and

(g) to be flexible in the way in which the Tribunal conducts its business and to adjust its procedures to best fit the circumstances of a particular case or a particular jurisdiction.

(2)  In furtherance of the Tribunal’s main objectives, the Tribunal should, in relation to the conferral and exercise of the Tribunal’s jurisdiction, consult from time to time with the agencies, organisations or bodies that it thinks appropriate.